Quantum computing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer targeted exposure to the world of quantum computing. This technology has made great strides in recent years and is becoming increasingly affordable to develop and build. That’s good news because the demand for more powerful computing is ballooning with the expansion of cloud computing, the proliferation of digital devices, and the dawn of the artificial intelligence (AI) era.
Quantum computing could emerge as a key technology and investment trend in the decades ahead. But because it’s still in its infancy, the best way to invest in the industry could be via a quantum computing ETF.
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3 top quantum computing ETFs for 2026
Quantum computing is still an emerging industry. As a result, some of the ETFs focused on the sector are relatively new and still small. Here are the three top ETFs focused on quantum computing:
1. Defiance Quantum ETF
Defiance Quantum ETF (NASDAQ:QTUM) is the largest exchange-traded fund (ETF) dedicated to the quantum computing industry. The fund launched in September 2018. It had had over US$5.6 billion in total net assets under management (AUM) as of mid-2026 across 86 holdings. Its five largest holdings are:
- Micron Technologies (NASDAQ:MU): 3.1% of its net assets.
- Mediatek: 2.5%
- Marvell Technology (NASDAQ:MRVL): 2.5%
- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM): 2.5%
- Intel (NASDAQ:INTC): 2.4%
The fund’s holdings are primarily semiconductor and software companies that are working on quantum computing in some form or another. It had a reasonable expense ratio of 0.40%. That works out to $4 in annual fees for every $1,000 invested.
2. WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund
The Defiance Quantum ETF had the market to itself for many years. However, that changed in late 2025 with the launch of the WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund (NYSEMKT: WQTM). The fund aims to provide targeted exposure to companies driving innovation across the quantum computing ecosystem. Its strategy combines investment in pure-play quantum computing pioneers with diversified global technology leaders. It uses a proprietary framework that it co-developed with quantum software leader Classiq.
The young fund had US$263.5 million in AUM across 47 holdings in mid-2026. The five largest are:
- D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS): 5.8% of its assets
- Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI): 5.5%
- Ionq (NYSE:IONQ): 5.4%
- International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM): 3.7%
- Fujitsu (OTCMKTS:FJTSY): 3.0%
The ETF had a reasonable expense ratio of 0.45%.
3. Global X AI Semiconductor & Quantum ETF
The Global X AI Semiconductor & Quantum ETF (NYSEMKT:CHPX) also launched in late 2025. This fund invests in companies capitalizing on the advancement of the AI semiconductor and quantum computing ecosystems. The fund had US$235.4 million in AUM across 38 holdings in mid-2026. Its top five are:
- Micron Technology: 11.9% of its net assets.
- Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM): 10.1%
- Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA): 9.3%
- Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO): 9.0%
- ASML Holdings (NASDAQ:ASML): 4.8%.
This fund had an expense ratio of 0.5%.
How Canadian investors can buy quantum computing ETFs
As of writing, there are no Canadian quantum computing ETFs, so interested investors will need to buy a U.S.-based ETF, like the three highlighted here. Most brokerages allow U.S.-denominated accounts to support trading in U.S. dollars. Once you have U.S. dollars in your account, you can search for the ETF’s ticker and place a trade just like making any other investment.
Be careful about the type of account you use. U.S.-listed ETFs held in an RRSP are exempt from the 15% U.S. withholding tax on dividends, so RRSPs are a popular place to hold them. For TFSAs, the U.S. does not recognize the TFSA’s tax-sheltered status, so U.S. withholding tax (usually 15%) still applies to dividends from U.S.-listed ETFs held there.
Benefits and risks of investing in quantum computing ETFs
Investing in quantum computing ETFs has its share of pros and cons. Some of the benefits include:
Broad exposure: These funds offer well-diversified exposure to the quantum computing industry before it gains widespread commercialization.
Many lower-risk holdings: These ETFs invest in many established semiconductor and software technology companies that are not solely dependent on the development of quantum computing, which could provide some stability to the fund’s performance over time.
Strong return potential: In its short history, the Defiance Quantum ETF has delivered returns of more than 580%, driven by overall growth in the technology sector rather than quantum computing specifically.
However, investing in quantum computing ETFs isn’t without risk. Some of the notable risk factors include:
Underperformance potential: A quantum computing ETF could meaningfully underperform the top quantum computing stocks.
Nacent industry: Many quantum computing companies are early-stage start-ups that might live up to expectations.
Small funds: Some quantum computing ETFs are very small, leaving them at risk of closure and requiring a return of capital to investors.
Should you invest in quantum computing ETFs?
Quantum computing has taken a quantum leap from theory to reality in recent years, driven by technological breakthroughs from several companies. As a result, investment in the sector could soar in the coming years, driving rapid revenue growth for quantum computing companies.
According to McKinsey, quantum computing revenue could rise from $4 billion in 2024 to $72 billion by 2035. That rapid revenue growth could boost the stock prices of quantum computing companies and the related ETFs that hold them. That growth potential makes these funds an intriguing option for investors seeking to gain exposure to this promising sector.
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